TableTops in the Classroom: Reflections on a Multi-year Project

Abstract

In this paper, we review our findings from three years of research into multi touch tables to support collaborative learning in classrooms. Findings indicate that multi touch tables can lead to the development of joint problem spaces and more interactive discussions, and that when placed in a classroom setting, can be used to facilitate small group, bewteen-group and whole-class learning. However, the use of tabletops in a classroom setting requires consideration of the complex nature of the classroom environment, and attention must be paid to how the teacher, technology, teams and tasks fit together.